Congress asks PNP to correct rules

CEBU, Philippines - Private security agencies are now free “from the bondage” of the Philippine Association of Detectives and Private Agency Operators (PADPAO), Inc. according to Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Partylist Rep. Pastor Alcover, Jr.

This, after the House Committee on Public Order and Safety has ordered the Philippine National Police to institute corrective measures on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 5487, otherwise known as the Private Security Agency Law.

“At the very least, this is a triumph for the private security industry that for many decades have sacrificed so much to comply with certain requirements and procedures not mandated by law,” said Alcover, who owns the Kadre Security Force and General Services, Inc. (KSFGS).

Alcover, through House Resolution 1096, asked Congress to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, to clarify the role of PADPAO in the issuance and renewal of License to Operate for private security agencies as stipulated in the IRR of RA 5487.

The law provides that an applicant is required to pay a membership fee to PADPAO before he is issued a license. It also requires applicants for renewal of licenses to present a certificate of membership with PADPAO.

Alcover pointed out that IRR of RA 5487 is “ultra vires” or in excess of what the law mandates and PADPAO was only mentioned once in the law.

Section 17 provides that the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary (now PNP), in consultation with the PADPAO, and subject to the provisions of existing laws, is authorized to issue the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of the law.

“It is very clear that under this sole proviso, PADPAO is only to be consulted and not a requirement for the issuance of a new license or in the renewal of the same,” Alcover said.

He explained that ANAD Partylist took the cudgels to protect private security agencies and correct the glaring misinterpretations that PADPAO, a private organization, has committed against them.

Alcover said that despite their knowledge of the law, PADPAO is persistent in collecting a membership fee of P10,000 for new applicants covering two years and P5,000 as annual membership fee before a certification of membership is issued.  (FREEMAN)